GDC11: Sony building dev-friendly Home update

New package allows for real-time multiplayer, enhanced physics, more tools

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PlayStation Home is to receive a back-end makeover for game developers to better utilise the tech, Sony has announced.

Core Client version 1.5 will allow for real-time multiplayer within the platform, as well as a series of other features for “enhanced game development”. The announcement comes as Sony shifts the Home business model from virtual avatar hub to online games platform.

“What we realised when we launched PS Home was that its games were the killer app,” a representative from the company said at a press conference today.

Core Client 1.5 will also deliver an updated physics engine, providing developers with enhanced control over collision, mass, velocity and other physics elements.

“In addition, new technology has been added to increase developer control of animations in a scene or game, including the ability to play multiple animations on a single model, blending between animations and getting details in real-time for in-motion animations,” the firm said.

The update will be issued ‘spring time’, Sony added.

Despite the shift to freemium online games, Sony insisted it hasn’t abandoned its original idea of ad-supported games.

A company representative wouldn’t publicly say what cut it takes from in-game sales, though said the model mimics wholesale terms.

Sony added that game submissions to the platform would be returned on “in a matter of weeks”.

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